Former Norwich City loan star Peter Crouch announces retirement

Peter Crouch spent time on loan at Norwich City in 2003. Credit: PA

Former Norwich City loan star Peter Crouch has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

The 6ft 7in striker had a successful loan spell with the Canaries in 2003 when he arrived at Carrow Road as part of a triple signing alongside Darren Huckerby and Kevin Harper.

The trio helped turn around Norwich's fortunes, culminating in them winning the Championship title that season.

Although Crouch returned to Aston Villa in December, he still received a Championship winners' medal for his contribution of four goals in 15 games.

  • Watch an ITV News Anglia report on Peter Crouch's arrival in 2003

Crouch went on to have a hugely successful career in the Premier League, playing for the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Stoke.

He also earned 42 England caps, scoring 22 goals.

However, following his release from Burnley this summer, he has now decided to call time on his career.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "If you told me at 17 I'd play in World Cups, get to a Champions League final, win the FA Cup and get 100 Premier League goals, I would have avoided you at all costs. It’s been an absolute dream come true."